Last spring, the MBTA Transit Police released video of a cop saving the life of a man who almost fell onto the tracks, but 5 Investigates has found the images originally released by the T don't tell the whole story.

The MBTA Transit Police released a video clip in May showing Detective Sean Conway pulling a man back from the edge of the subway platform and stopping him from falling onto the tracks at Park Street Station.

After the incident, now-retired Chief Paul MacMillan praised Conway for his actions. "He was alert, he saw what was going to happen and he took appropriate action, so we're very proud of him," MacMillan said.

The video originally released by the T ends with the detective dragging the man to safety.

There's no question the detective saved a life, but the rest of the video, which the T did not release, shows a struggle after the rescue between the T officer and Anthony Ferrier, who had been drinking that day.

As the tape rolls, you see Detective Conway punching Ferrier several times. A photo provided to 5 Investigates by Ferrier's lawyer shows severe facial injuries the man allegedly received at the hands of the T officer.

"The MBTA misled the public and clearly intended to do so," said David Milton, Ferrier's lawyer. "If they truly believe the officer's actions were appropriate beginning to end, they should have released the entire video and let the public decide."

It took a lawsuit and eight months for the MBTA to finally release the entire video showing exactly what happened that day. Ferrier's lawyer calls it a case of excessive force.

In a statement, the MBTA Transit Police told 5 Investigates: "Detective Conway's use of force was justified and commensurate for the situation." It went on to say the department's Use of Force Committee concluded "Conway was in compliance with policy."

We asked Ferrier's lawyer if it was possible the officer was simply doing his best to restrain and prevent Ferrier from going back to the edge of the platform.

Ferrier will most likely file a civil suit against the MBTA, Milton said.

The transit police said Conway is a veteran member of the department who is held in high regard for his professionalism and work ethic. The department also said the detective did report that he struck the man in the face that day.